Virgin America, Starwood Partner to Offer Cross-Program Benefits

Virgin America announced the beginning of a new partnership with Starwood Preferred Guest.

Now, Virgin America Elevate members will earn two points for every one dollar spent on Starwood hotel stays.

Additionally, Starwood Preferred Guest members can exchange Starpoints for Elevate points at a 1-t-1 ratio.

Virgin and Starwood are also offering two packages that members can bid on, namely trips for two to Maui and Honolulu that include seats on Virgin America’s first flight to both destinations, a well as a four-night stay at either the Westin Maui or the Sheraton Waikiki.

As I approached the soaring windows of the Fairmont Olympic, one thought struck me: “I may not be dressed for this occasion.” Indeed, even with my neat, business-casual look, the grand lobby in the Italian Renaissance-style building, with its gilt metal and crystal chandeliers, oaken walls, and balconies was more opera house than hotel. I stopped to reflect on my attire: Did I bring my tux? This brief moment of …

Much to my relief, British Airways had neither a cabin crew strike or an IT systems outage the day of my flight from London to Dublin. Indeed, it appeared that the job actions that defined the start of summer this year were a distant memory when I arrived at Terminal 5 at London Heathrow, British Airways’ main terminal.
Despite its modern and efficient design, T5 is obsolescent due to a dramatic …